Teased repeatedly, minor sets self on fire

In a shocking incident, a minor girl infuriated over alleged repeated incidents of eve-teasing by a youth of her village, set self ablaze in Abohar, a sub-division of Fazilka district. The victim had been hospitalised with 65% burns and her condition is stated to be critical.

In a shocking incident, a minor girl infuriated over alleged repeated incidents of eve-teasing by a youth of her village, set self ablaze in Abohar, a sub-division of Fazilka district. The victim had been hospitalised with 65% burns and her condition is stated to be critical.

The 17-year-old victim, Sunita (name changed), a resident of Dharangwala village under Balluana assembly segment, was upset after being repeatedly teased by a co-villager Mandeep (21) for the past five months. Mandeep was forcing her for marriage, but she, a student of Class 12, was against it.

He repeatedly proposed her on mobile phone, but she turned down his request. When she brought the matter to the notice of the family, they took back mobile phone from her, sources said.

Her family also tried to stop Mandeep from harassing her, but all in vain, said reports.

On Monday afternoon, when Sunita's mother Paramjit Kaur and grandfather Mahi Ram were sleeping in the house, she went to take bath. As she came out of the washroom, she found Mandeep standing outside.

He allegedly took her to the bathroom and tried to molest her, but hearing her screams the family and neighbours came to her rescue and Mandeep fled the spot.

To escape public humiliation, Sunita poured diesel and set self on fire later in the evening.

Sunita was taken to the local civil hospital, from where she was referred to Guru Gobind Medical College and Hospital and her condition was stated to be critical.

When contacted, Mohinish Chawla, DIG, Ferozepur range, said the statement of the victim had been recorded and a case under Sections 452, 353, 506 and 116 of the IPC had been registered against Mandeep and he had also been arrested.

The DIG clarified that no complaint was filed with police regarding the matter earlier.

Expressing concern over the incident, Leader of Opposition Sunil Jakhar termed it a result of lethargic attitude of police as well as society. “It's a matter of shame that despite nationwide hue and cry on the issue of security and respect of women, nothing had been done so far to avoid such incidents,” he said.

Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal should immediately call an all-party meeting over this very serious matter to ensure security of women in Punjab and come out with special strategy to avoid such incidents, demanded Jakhar.